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Robert Graham, MD, MPH, & Chef, Catholic Health’s Medical Director of Integrative/Functional Medicine and the Center for Integrative Medicine and Optimal Health, answers commonly asked questions about integrative medicine and shares what you can expect as a patient of the Center.
Q. What is integrative medicine?
Integrative medicine combines evidence-based conventional and complementary therapies to guide patients toward optimal well-being throughout their health journey.
The easiest way I like to describe integrative medicine to patients is we take a “wholistic” approach. “Wholistic” refers to whole-person health that looks at how your body, mind, spirit and environment are interconnected and play a role in preventing and treating many common diseases. Our evidence-based scientific methods go beyond only treating symptoms. We examine the root cause of the disease.
Q. Can you give an example of how a patient can benefit from integrative medicine?
A common example is a patient who visits the Center for Integrative Medicine and Optimal Health after an annual exam where their primary care physician (PCP) indicated they are at high risk for obesity and related health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
The Center's “Innovative Weight Loss and Sustainability” program looks at the whole body, assessing physical, emotional and behavioral health to help patients lose and maintain a healthy weight.
We will ask questions such as:
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What type of foods do you eat?
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Do you drink enough water?
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Do you take supplements?
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Do you exercise?
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How well do you sleep?
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Are you stressed?
We offer specialized functional medicine testing that looks at gut, hormone and inflammation health to identify and treat the root causes of excess weight, inflammation and digestive issues. A team of specialists, including a board-certified integrative/functional medicine physician, registered dietitian, health coach, and exercise physiologist, works with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan specific to their needs.
A patient may need to learn how to:
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Plan meals and snacks focusing on natural, non-processed foods rich in nutrients.
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Recognize triggers that promote emotional eating.
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Manage stress with relaxation techniques.
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Improve or change sleep habits.
We also offer a “Cardio Metabolic” program to teach patients how to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle that can reduce their risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and inflammatory disease.
Q. Why is food an important part of integrative medicine?
Simply put, food is medicine. The choices we make about what foods we put into our bodies have long-term consequences for our health.
Our goal at the Center for Integrative Medicine and Optimal Health is to transform a patient’s relationship with food and make it a positive one. Some patients “eat for the sake of eating” because they are busy and eat whatever is convenient. Some have been dieting for years, restricting calories or following a fad diet that eliminates certain foods. These are habits that do a disservice to our health.
We teach patients how to eat with mindfulness and intent. By choosing healthier foods, they reduce inflammation in the body, improve gut health and keep a healthy body weight. Eventually, with practice, eating mindfully and with intent becomes a sustainable habit.
Q. What other programs does the Center for Integrative Medicine and Optimal Health offer?
Integrative medicine treats numerous health conditions. Our programs include:
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Integrative Oncology Rehabilitation & Survivorship. Minimizing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation while optimizing health into survivorship.
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Health and Optimization. Optimizing life span and helping individuals age healthfully.
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Gut Health. Examining and healing the gut and improving overall health.
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Autoimmune Disease. Testing blood and gut health to learn key factors that affect immunity.
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Holistic Pain Management. Educating on the mind-body connection and movement to help manage chronic pain.
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Genomics. Improving overall health based on unique biology and physiology.
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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement. Testing, educating and managing fluctuating hormone levels associated with aging.
Q. What if I need medicine?
When you come to our integrative medicine program, we will explore lifestyle and complementary medicines to treat a condition, including nutritional planning, herbs, and supplements. We may also recommend acupuncture and physical therapy depending on the health concern.
Some patients, however, need prescription medicine to manage conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, mental health, or other chronic diseases. We work collaboratively with your health care specialists.
Q. Who can benefit from integrative medicine?
Anyone age 18 and older can benefit from integrative medicine. For younger patients up to age 40, integrative medicine focuses on preventive health measures to help them age well and minimize their risk for certain health conditions. For patients older than 40, integrative medicine helps promote longevity by course-correcting health concerns before they cause complications.
For patients with existing health issues, integrative medicine provides a nontraditional treatment approach based on science.
Q. How do I become a Center for Integrative Medicine and Optimal Health patient?
Call 516-302-8535 to make an appointment at the Center for Integrative Medicine and Optimal Health in East Hills, NY. We accept most insurances. When you call for an appointment, we will confirm if your insurance is accepted and advise if a referral is needed.
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